cushion 1 of 2

Definition of cushionnext
as in buffer
something that serves as a protective barrier used a blanket as a cushion between the two tables in the moving van

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cushion

2 of 2

verb

as in to soften
to lessen the shock of a substantial nest egg helped to cushion the sudden loss of her job

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cushion
Noun
Small grocery stores simply do not have the financial cushion to shoulder these new expenses. Francisco Marte, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026 The experience is chic at Delta, where the bedding in Delta One onboard suites is by Missoni and cushions are memory foam. Beth Landman, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
Shoppers are raving about this $7 kneeling pad that cushions aging knees against hard, damp, and dirty ground. Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026 The pillow is hypoallergenic with a shredded latex core to cushion your neck, head, and shoulders in any position. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushion
Noun
  • Zoning commissioners added a requirement to add vegetation as an additional buffer.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Seniors and distressed homeowners are targeted because the system gives them no buffer against coercion.
    Darlene Mealy, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The decision reflected a common pattern in China's technology sector, where startups establish offshore corporate structures to access global capital and reassure foreign investors, and sometimes soften regulatory scrutiny while maintaining engineering talent and intellectual ties to the mainland.
    Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
  • This cult Japanese skincare-meets-makeup hybrid is an ultra-fine powder to even out skin tone, soften the look of pores, and reduce shine, leaving a translucent finish with subtle coverage.
    Anita Bhagwandas, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • While those launches for now remain test missions from SpaceX’s launch site Starbase in Texas, the company continues to build out what will be its first operational launch tower at KSC’s Launch Complex 39-A adjacent to the pad from which Falcon Heavy will launch.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Demidov’s wrist shot met with a pad save.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • These efforts worked — but only as a temporary shield.
    Jennifer Granholm, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Warren used the Brink’s driver as a shield and pointed his gun at the guard.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Another example is certain Volkswagen Beetles, where servicing the cooling system fan or air‑conditioning condenser requires removal of the bumper cover and both front fenders.
    Hartford Courant, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The front bumper meant nothing to the mower.
    Joe Salas April 25, New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cushion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushion. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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